Jack White Bans Cellphone Use at Upcoming Tour Dates

Jack White is tired of seeing lit-up screens instead of faces at his shows, so for his upcoming tour in support of Boarding House Ranch, he's announced a ban on cellphones.

White has put people on notice that his concerts will be a “phone-free, 100 percent human experience," and has issued a press release that states, "We think you’ll enjoy looking up from your gadgets for a little while and experience music and our shared love of it IN PERSON."

“No photos, video or audio recording devices allowed," he noted, and suggested that fans who want to post about his shows instead follow and re-post content from his newly launched @officialjackwhitelive Instagram account.

"Upon arrival at the venue, all phones and other photo or video-capturing gizmos will be secured in a Yondr pouch that will be unlocked at the end of the show," White explained in the release. "You keep your pouch secured phone on you during the show and, if needed, can unlock your phone at any time in a designated Yondr Phone Zone located in the lobby or concourse."

This shouldn't be surprising news for anyone who has followed White. Back in 2014, he slammed people for using their phones during shows, claiming he was wasting his time performing for crowds that can't even applaud. “People can’t clap anymore, because they’ve got a f---ing texting thing in their f---ing hand, and probably a drink, too!"

"Some musicians don’t care about this stuff, but I let the crowd tell me what to do," he said. "There’s no set list. I’m not just saying the same things I said in Cleveland last night. If they can’t give me that energy back? Maybe I’m wasting my time.”